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“Don’t Laugh If It Works!”

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 3, 2011| Leave a Comment »

When it comes to bait or any fishing techniques, if it results in a bent rod, it's hard to dismiss it! Try it. You never know!

IF IT WORKS DON’T LAUGH!

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 6, 2o11 in Western Outdoor News

I am often amazed at what catches fish down here.  Of course, us gringos are always looking for “live bait” like caballitos, mackerel, sardines and the like.  Plus we have all the “latest and greatest” technology has to offer in the way of lures, plugs and feathers. 

 

But, over the years, having worked with so many captains in so many areas of Baja, I’ve come across some pretty incredible things that have been used for bait…and they work!

 

BELLIES & STRIPS – Long ago when I lived in Los Frailes, the owner of the hotel turned me onto taking the oily juicy strips of belly meat from dorado and bonito and  pinning them on the hooks of my feathers and jigs, especially my marlin lures.  Strips of squid also work.  They add scent and flavor to your lures.  I also think gamefish tend to hold onto them more when there’s some “taste” to the lure.

 

Actually, even without the feather or jig, one of the most effective methods of attracting game fish is to simply pin a nice long strip of these species to a hook and leader (make sure you have a swivel) and drag it slowly behind your boat.  Bigger fish can’t seem to resist it.  Even large dorado will jump on dorado strips!

 

If you happen to get into a bite of the giant squid, give some thought to taking the whole head and sending it down deep.  I’ve gotten some monster tuna on 5-pound chunks of head.  Smaller giant squid worked when trolled and long-rangers will tell you that a big squid bounced on the waves from a kite are deadly.

 

It’s also  productive to chop the  squid legs (arms?) into chunks and just tossing handfuls into the ocean as chum then taking another big chunk and hook it, letting it all drift down to the game fish.  Often, even when the fish won’t take live bait, they WILL eat the chummed bait.

 

WHOLE FISH –  As much as we tend to hate needlefish down here as the scourge of fishermen, a smaller needlefish slow-trolled in the rocky areas will sometimes really get nailed by a big pargo, snapper or cabrilla. 

 

Sent down deep, this can be deadly for a big grouper around the islands…or even using a small bonito!  Cut off a fin and score a few knife cuts into the flesh to get it bleeding then send it down with a heavy weight and see what happens!  If it’s live, you better hold into your socks!

 

One of the strangest baits I have ever used was small puffer fish.  I often noticed that when we cleaned dorado we would find whole puffer fish in the stomachs of bull dorado.  (Maybe I can see eating one, but the thought of passing one of the spikey guys out the backside raises some eyebrows).

 

Anyway, I asked one of my captains and he said he often saw dorado eat floating puffer fish and that the smaller ones make good bait.  So we caught some floaters and put them in the bait tank.  When we got into a dorado bite we tossed some into the fray…like surface poppers and sure enough…WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!  Puffers were hit faster than sardines!  It worked!  Small barracuda work also or larger ballyhood.

 

INORGANIC BAITS

 

OK…here’s some of the crazier stuff I have seen work…

 

1.  Strips of tortilla cut like a “pig-and-jig” fork-tail and thrown into feeding dorado and bonito.

 

2.  Strips of white rubber liner like the kind you put on the bottom of your kitchen sink so that your dishes have a cushion.  Slow trolled or cut like the back end of a small bait fish…twitched along the reefs, you’d be surprised what comes out to chase it!  It’s a cheap swim bait!

 

3.  A mop head!  Old Mexican fishermen will tell you that they used to troll old mop heads without a hook.  The abrasive bill of sailfish and marlin are like a rasp.  They would hit the trolled mop head and it would wrap around their bills like velcro!  Hook up!  I’ve seen it used one time and it blew me away!

 

4.  Orange Crush bottle – I once saw commercial fishermen leave some orange soda in a bottle; put crushed tinfoil in it and re-cap it.  They tied it behind a panga and trolled it in the wake like a teaser!  I saw it raise several sailfish like this!

 

If it works, don’t laugh!

 

__________________________

 

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!           

 

_________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate


“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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So…You Wanna Sit Under a Palm Tree?

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It's a dirty job, but someone has to sit in the plastic chair and keep it from floating away! Air temperature 90. Water Temperature 80. Beer temperature 32 degrees.

SO…YOU WANNA SIT UNDER A PALM TREE?

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 25, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

A week doesn’t go by where I don’t get asked several times about moving/ retiring/ setting up a business in Mexico.

 

“Man, you got the life.  You fish all day.  Siesta under the palm trees and drink beer!” is often how the conversation starts.  I have to inwardly laugh.  It’s always fun to dream, but being down here in vacation and having to actually live or work here are different issues.

 

First some general stats:

 

  • It is said that more Americans live in Mexico than any other country in the world.  It’s close proximity to the U.S.; relative lower cost of living; climate; and ease of lifestyle make it an attractive destination.  Studies (speculative at best) put the number of Americans living in Mexico between 125,000 and 1 million with “600,00” most often quoted.

  • A 2009 poll of Americans retired in coastal communities in Mexico showed most are “baby boomers” with 53% being under 65 years old.  67% have at least a college degree.  61 percent are married.

  • Most are financially comfortable by Mexican standards with over 70% having an income of over $25,000 a year which is more than 2000.00/month compared to less than $1000/month of most Mexicans.

  • The majority of those polled spent less than $2000/month but felt their lifestyle was actually higher than in the U.S. with 75% feeling that cost of living was a major factor in their desire to retire south-of-the-border.

 

We’ve been down here now for almost 16 years and been full-time residents for about 7.  Folks always ask us what we think.  Here’s a few thoughts below.  For everyone who’s down here, there are probably several dozen we know who didn’t make it or had to leave and dreams turned into disasters.

 

  • Do your homework.  Read. Read. Read.  The bookstores have tons of resources and the internet has the freshest stuff.  I can’t believe how many folks just seem to “show up” expecting to start whole new lives just by “being here!” Here’s a good place to start:  http://www.icfdn.org/publications/retireeresearch/

  • Talk to folks who have already done it and have attempted to live down here.  There’s nothing like local knowledge.  No matter how many books or pamphlets you read, someone who’s down here can give you immeasurable insight.  Talk to LOTS of them!

  • Yes, you can have a really great life down here, but it’s all relative.  What do you want in a lifestyle?  Do you need everything you had in the states?  Shopping? Golf?  Movies?  Restaurants?  Or are you just fine walking along the beach without another soul and living “off the grid?”   There are cultural, economic, and tremendous social differences between the two countries and peoples.    It’s not for everyone.

  • Living here day-to-day is alot different than being here on vacation.  If you have a chance and think you might like to set up roots down here, rent a place for awhile.  See what it’s like to go shopping; pay bills; get a plumber; go to Church; interact with the community and being away from family and friends back in the U.S.  Maybe part-time residency works better.  Also, there really are seasons!  Most folks show up here on vacation in the spring, summer and fall.  Winter here is not like the other seasons.  Can you handle it when it’s not all beach weather?

  • Do you have some personal medical or dietary needs?  What will you do if there’s an emergency?  Mexico has great facilities, but not all of them are accessible in all places.

  • If you plan to set up a business, do even more research.  My main advice is not to invest more than you can lose.  Be able to walk away if you have to.  It’s not easy for foreigners to operate businesses here as in most countries if you’re a foreigner.  Mexico is especially heavy on bureaucracy even if you’re local!  If you have a business plan, triple it.  The “model” you learned earning your MBA doesn’t work in Mexico.

  • Don’t take shortcuts no matter what kind of “deal” someone offers you!  Whether it’s banking, real estate, contracts, labor laws, construction permits,  immigration; etc….adhere to the law.  It’s no fun looking over your shoulder or worrying.  The law is the law and citizens and visitors alike are expected to respect it.  Just like in the U.S.  If you follow the law you can never go wrong. Plus, being a gringo…you’re higher profile.  Not like you can hide!

  • Learn Spanish…even a little!  It’s the best investment you can make in living and working here.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

________________________________

 

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!   

___________________________        

 

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate


“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

 

 

 

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CAN’T GO WRONG BAJA PRIMER

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on August 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Look past stereotypes. A smile is a smile in any language!

CAN’T GO WRONG BAJA PRIMER

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of Aug. 10, 2011

Been down here long enough and had several thousand folks pass through our care either directly or indirectly here in Baja.  Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of things that you can do that will always work no matter what.  What got me started many years ago was listening to two gringos talking on the beach.

 

“I’m really disappointed in Mexico.   The golf course here is not even close to being as good as Pebble Beach!”  (how many are THAT good?)

 

“We were fishing and the boat didn’t even have an electronic fish finder on it.  We caught fish, but it’s like fishing in the stone ages down here.”

 

Y’know, sometimes expectations are just a little too high.  Folks forget.  This is still the Baja.  Until a few years ago, things we take for granted like electricity, running water, phones and ice were non-existent in many places, let alone complaining because you can’t find a McDonald’s for the kids. 

 

Anyway, here’s my two-cents primer on things that are 100 percent guaranteed if you plan to visit us:

 

  • Never forget you’re a guest here.  Act accordingly as if you were visiting a friend or neighbor and you will never go wrong.
  • Stereotypes work both ways.  You are consciously or sub-consciously judging your hosts as Mexicans. It’s inevitable.  You are also being judged as a guest American.  Americans are also stereotyped.  Remember, you’re being watched and judged.  Be an ambassador of goodwill.
  • No one will every laugh at you for trying to speak the language.  It’s appreciated.  By the same token, don’t get impatient if a local doesn’t speak or understand English as fast as you would like.
  • “Please” and “Thank you” in any language is always understood.
  • An unspoken smile or a laugh is a powerful communicator
  • A dollar left on a dresser of your hotel room or pressed into a palm for a small favor goes further than any dollar you ever spent
  • You will never go wrong eating at a place that has a crowd or a line around it.  It’s worth the wait. 
  •  Make a friend forever by complimenting someone’s child or asking about their family.  Ask to see a photo. 
  • Shopping is always better the further you get away from the tourist areas. 
  • Never be afraid to negotiate.  It’s expected.  It’s fun.  It never hurts to ask if there is a lower price for anything…from taxi cabs to day tours and from margarita glassware to blankets.  If they say “no” smile.  If  they say “yes” smile even bigger! 
  • Ask a taxi driver to “show you HIS favorite places.” Or take you to HIS favorite restaurant or where the locals go or eat.  Often you will discover things you would never find in the travel brochures.
  • Even if you get a bargain, tip nicely.  You’ll be remembered.
  • Take a photo of someone and, if there’s any way, give them a copy.  They will treasure it and you always.  We take photos for granted.   We have thousands of photos of ourselves.  Many folks down here have their photo i.d. and sometimes not even that.
  • Tell your captain you just want to catch fish.  He really wants to.  Let him do his job.  Try tipping AHEAD OF time or showing him his tip ahead of time.  See what magic that works!
  • Our throw-aways are someone’s treasure.  A used t-shirt.  Old fishing line. Some hooks.   A worn baseball hat.  A out-of-fashion pair of shoes or slippers. Hand them off with a smile.  Get a smile in return.
  • Don’t be afraid or too lazy to walk through a park,  beach or shopping area where families are gathered. 
  • Visit a local bookstore or listen to some local music.
  • No matter how much of a hurry you think you are in, stop and sit.  Watch and listen.  Absorb. Revel in the slower pace, even for just a moment.  You’ll be amazed.  Don’t forget that you might not be passing this way again, even if you’re rushing to catch the glass-bottom boat tour or the mariachi dinner show.  Those will always be there.  That  magnificent sunset over the Sea of Cortez might not.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

  ________________________________________

.

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!           

___________________________________________

 

 Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

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“PERSPECTIVES – Another Slice of Life in the Baja”

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico life, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, tagged , , , , , on July 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

An eye-opening trip home...

“PERSPECTIVES – Another slice of Life in the Baja”

Originally published in Western Outdoor News the Week of July 27, 2011

At any given time we have several dozen employees on the roster here in Baja.  Like business owners anywhere in the world, we stress over the usual stuff  like scheduling, attendance, benefits, employee taxes…the usual stuff.

 

But, one of the biggest problems we face is folks always coming in late. Dangit, how come a dishwasher or cook can’t come in on time?  Day-after-day.

 

 No matter how many times you talk with them; put things in their files; dock their pay…nothing works. Arrive late. Often leave early. Doesn’t anyone have an alarm clock? How hard is it to be ON TIME? Three days late, legally lose a day of pay.

 

Then, I had a bit of an epiphany of sorts.

 

We had just closed the restaurant about midnight and headed home, I saw one of our cooks walking down the block in the dark.  I pulled over and offered to give him a ride home which he happily accepted.  To me, no big deal. Hop on in, Jose!

 

It took almost 15 minutes to go just several miles.   Up one dark deserted street. Down another side street.   Around a dark turn or two.  Dogs in the trash…some guys on a porch drinking beer under a harsh lightbulb..two more dark roads…or three…up several hills and more dark alleys then into the foothills. 

 

            No houses around but plenty of trash.  Abandoned hulks of cars.  Everytime I thought we must almost be there, he’d say, “poco mas adelante.”  (little further).  No problem, Jose.

 

            Man…some of these “streets” were best for a mountain bike or vehicle with high clearance.  Little more than gravel.  In my rearview, I could see blooms of dust behind us.

 

We finally arrived at a cluster of dilapidated concrete cinder-block structures.  In my headlights, it was hard to tell if they were painted.  Single light bulb ceiling lights in some windows that didnt’ look like they had glass.  Mis-matched bed sheets seemed to serve as curtains in some. 

 

I knew Jose had a little girl and a wife, but judging by the amount of laundry hanging to dry in the dusty breeze, it was clear that more than 3 people lived there.  More like a dozen.  Two dogs sleeping in the dirt under a yellow glazed streetlight.

 

I asked Jose, how he gets to work every day.  He said he walks about 2 miles down the dirt road.  Hopes he hitches a ride with someone, if possible.  He then pays 20 pesos to catch the bus (10 percent of his daily wage) assuming it’s on time and assuming it hasn’t broken down.  It’s an hour to come into work…if he’s lucky.

 

What about at night?  Sometimes he doesn’t get out until after midnight.  There’s no bus after midnight.  He walks.  He hitches.  He hopes for the best.  Sometimes it takes 90 minutes to hike home. 

 

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles. Gives me a high-5 and a “gracias”.  Out the door then runs into his house around an old tire and   through a broken screen door.   A single glaring light bulb goes out. 

 

I drove down the hillside deep in thought.  Jose’s a great worker.  But, I’ve been busting this guy’s chops for more than a year because he’s routinely 5-15 minutes late. . .or more.   I’ve docked his pay.  I’ve threatened to suspend him. He’s never argued with me.  He always promises to be better.  How’s a guy to run a business when the employee can’t be on time? Sheesh!

 

Then, he’s late again and I jump on his case.  In fact, I have him on night shift which means he won’t leave the restaurant until well after midnight,  So…that means, Jose walks home up through the dark alleys…the back paths…the dusty roads…and up into the hills to get home.  Every night.

 

I never thought…

 

You just assume that people have transportation.  As an American, we are used to always having ways to get from point A to point B.  Certainly, we can get to work.  We all have cars or access to cars.  Gotta get somewhere?  Heck…jump in your car and just go, Man!

 

We just so often forget.  Most people don’t have cars in Mexico.  Or the bus doesn’t run.  Or they have to walk a zillion miles to catch a bus that may or may not be there on time if at all.

 

Or, if they do have a car, gas costs the equivalent of a day’s wages.  So you buy ONE gallon at a time.  To an American, that would be like paying 50-100 dollars per gallon! 

 

It gets complicated when a kid or family member is sick.  When the car breaks down.  When the bus doesn’t run.  When you don’t have enough dinero to even buy one gallon of gas.

 

Someone is gonna be late.

 

I try not to bust Jose’s chops so much anymore.  It’s not gonna do any good to “teach him a lesson” in punctuality.  I’m the one who gets “schooled” in being a bit more tolerant and also grateful for my own blessings.

That’s my story

Jonathan

___________________________

 

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate


“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

 

             

Read Full Post »

EVERYONE’S CATCHING FISH EXCEPT ME!

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on July 9, 2011| Leave a Comment »

EVERYONE’S CATCHING FISH EXCEPT ME!

Originally Published the Week of July 14,  2011 in Western Outdoor News

Being here in La Paz, I can’t tell you how often during the
week a boater comes into our offices or restaurant and says…

“We have our own
boat and have been trolling around for days and haven’t caught a thing!”

or

“We see all your
boats come in with fish and can’t get a bite even though we fish in the same
areas as all the pangas!

Or something to that effect.

Listen, the oceans surrounding the Baja Peninsula are a
target-rich environment for sportfshermen.
Among the best in the world.  But
so often I encounter anglers who figure…

1.  I have my own boat

2.  I have rods and
reels

So therefore…

3.  I MUST
AUTOMATICALLY  catch fish!  (BOAT + GEAR = FISH)

That’s a bit like me saying, since I have checks in my
checkbook, I must have money in the account!

Believe it or not, most of the ocean is pretty empty.    Nothing but blue and wet.  And sometimes not even blue.

Assuming the first part of the equation is good (You have a
decent boat and decent gear) …Knowing WHERE and HOW to fish sure helps.  There’s a reason.

The locals know their spots and just because, for example,
you know how to fish in Loreto doesn’t mean the same methods will work in Cabo
San Lucas.  There is NOTHING like local
knowledge.  Don’t just pull away from the
docks.  There’s a big difference between
fishing and driving around the ocean.
Some research is in order.

It will help avoid looking dumb when you find out:

1.  The locals use
live bait/ dead bait/ stink bait/ Velveeta cheese

2.  Green lures work
better than blue lures/ polka-dot lures/ lures shaped like small farm animals

3.  There’s secret
spots in the middle of the ocean where the locals all know there’s a big reef/
ledge/ sunken boat.

You get the idea…

I’m not saying your local “expert” in Wyoming who
just sold you all that gear isn’t a good fishermen, but I’d be more inclined to
ask him about flyfishing for brown trout than chunking for yellowfin tuna.   I’ve lived her in La Paz almost 16 years and
I would never profess to know about fishing in Cabo which is only 100 miles
away!

The private boaters I know that have fished a few times with
the locals always seem to do better.
Therefore,  if you can, go out
with a local on THEIR boat a few times.

Short of that, do a little investigating.   Rather than run around willy-nilly all over
the ocean burning fuel and vacation time, at least check in with some of the
locals.  Walk down to the docks and the
beaches when the boats come in and ask questions.  There’s an old saying that goes something
like…

“Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes
home through an alley.”

Fishermen talk.
Fishermen brag.  We can’t help
ourselves.  It’s the hunter-gatherer
mentality  of our single-brow
cave-dwelling ancestors.  They sat around
the campfire and pounded their chests about the big sabre-tooth cat they killed
by bravely poking it with a sharp stick!
(Even when in reality the cat was chasing them and it fell over a cliff
and killed itself).

If you truly must…hang out in a fisherman’s bar.  OH MY!
When the cerveza flows so do the stories.  All the free advice you need and all the
stuff you probably don’t need!

Beyond that, use some common sense out on the water.  Living things have two main needs…food and
pro-creation out on the water.
Everything eats.  Everything
breeds.

Look for diving or hovering birds.  If you’re fishing inshore, look for rocks
covered with seagull or pelican crap.
Those are areas the birds hang out because there’s bait. Where there’s
bait, that means other fish will be there feeding as well. Look for floating
structure like weeds or trash where baitfish might be hiding or laying
eggs.

Again, larger fish look for smaller fish to eat.  Look for current lines or temperature
breaks.  Often, even without
sophisticated electronics, you can actually see temperature breaks and
currents.  They look like little rivers.
Often, the fish will be on one side, but not the other. If you do have
electronics…USE THEM!

It all adds up to a better day on the water whether you’re
fishing Baja or your own waters!

_______________________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western
Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his
wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La
Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar
on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.
If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

________________________________________________________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip
Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on
Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745

Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only
moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to
try.”

Read Full Post »

DON’T MESS WITH MAMA!

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, tagged on June 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

More and more of the gals are on the water...AND THEY CAN FISH!

DON’T MESS WITH MAMA!

Originally Published the Week of June 28, in Western Outdoor News

We  cautiously approached
Larry’s panga from a distance. He and his wife Laura are a great retired couple
who love to fish.  Today, they were
fishing just south of  Cerralvo
Island.  As we got closer, it was clear
that Laura was on a huge tuna.

She was sitting on the little triangular deck at the
bow…essentially “on the floor.”
Her butt on the deck… feet forward and braced up against the inside of
the gunwale which, at the bow, was only about 8 inches high.  Like the position the anchor-person assumes
at the tail-end of a tug-of-war-rope!  Rod triple-bent in her straining hands with
the tip almost touching the water.   It
was evident that the  heavy 22-foot  fiberglass panga was slowing being towed by
the massive fish.

But, all was not well.

She was pulling for all she was worth in the bow.  Grimacing with effort.  Lips pursed.
Arms locked with knuckles just barely above the rim of the
gunwales.  She seemed to be
“glaring” at hubby, Larry.  And
not because of sun or sweat in her eyes.

Larry’s at the opposite end… in the stern.  Fumbling with his own rod and limp line in
the water  and not even paying attention
to the epic event at the bow.  Disinterested.  Distracted.
Like he didn’t even care that his wife might be on the biggest fish of
both their lives. Ho-hum…

What’s wrong with this picture?

As we pulled up closer, I shouted out, “Nice fish,
Laura!  Are you OK?  Do you need help?”  (I was wondering why Larry wasn’t giving much
support).

“Larry, do you need a hand? Want me to jump
aboard?”

He looked at me and just shrugged.  “Ask HER if she needs help…” he
said dismissively gesturing with his head towards his wife at the other end of
the panga.  He didn’t even look back at
her.

Whoa…

I looked at Laura.
She looked up and hissed through gritted teeth.

” I told him if
he comes anywhere near MY fish, I’d kick his butt! He’s trying to coach
me.  He wants me to hand off the rod to
him!  He won’t shut up!  Make him leave me alone!  This is MY fish! If I’m going to lose it, I
don’t need HIS help! And I’d appreciate it if you’d move your own panga away
too so my fish doesn’t get tangled!”

YEOW!!!

I looked at Larry.  He
looked at me.  Rolled his eyes and looked
at the blazing Baja heavens.

I laughed.  How could
I not? We literally “tippy-toed” our panga backwards out of the
way.  Even the two panga captains
(stifling grins) knew when to just shut-up and get out’ve the way!

Laura the SHE-ANGLER had spoken and  unless we wanted a can ‘o’ whupass unleashed
on us, it was best to get as far away from ground-zero as possible.

I loved it! I am WOMAN hear me GROWL!  See me FISH! I don’t need no help!

I’m seeing it and loving it more and more. In the old days,
Baja fishing was a testosterone laden bacchanalian “fishing fiesta”  of sun, beer, and fishing.  An all-guy-man-love- beach party. (“I
love my fish brothers!”)

Not so much anymore.
Not only are we seeing more wives, girlfriends, sisters and mom’s coming
down, but these ladies don’t just wait for you to tie their knots and bait
their hooks.

They’ll elbow you down the rail.  They’ll be the first to grab that rod if the
clicker suddenly goes off and pull it out’ve the holder. Too slow.  YOU
lose! They don’t need to be rescued.   They have no intention of handing off the rod
to you so don’t ask and they’ll only listen to your coaching (nagging) to a
degree.  So get outta their way!

And they usually look pretty cute doing it too!

Personally, I love having them on my boats.  They’re quick learners. They listen.  They have patience. Unlike so many of us guys
that try to brutalize and bulldozer our fish into submission, the ladies
finesse their fish.  Poco-a-poco!  They smile alot
and aren’t so grumpy if they lose a fish (“I was gonna release it anyway
because it was noble and cute!”) or if the fish aren’t biting…

“Oh look at the dolphins! This is the BEST day
ever!”

Just don’t get in the way when they’re down in the trenches!
They’re good.  They’re getting
better.  You know it’s true and we’re all
having more fun because of it.   Mama
means business!

Oh, Laura got her fish.
Larry could not have been prouder!

____________________________________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western
Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his
wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La
Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar
on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.
If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip
Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on
Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745

Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only
moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to
try.”

Read Full Post »

DIALED-in-on-DOLLARS! Originally published the week of June 15, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on June 10, 2011| Leave a Comment »

CHANGING DOLLARS FOR PESOS BEFORE VISITING?

DIALED-IN-ON-DOLLARS

Originally Published the Week of June 15, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

Over all the years down here in La Paz, some of the most
common question I get involves American dollars and whether pesos are needed
down here.  The answer is a resounding
“yes”…and “no.”

Bottom line:

1.  We run several
businesses here and have been in Baja since the mid-90’s.  Everyone loves American dollars.  (Who doesn’t?) It holds it’s value pretty
good.  Everyone loves to have it in their
pockets and accounts. That includes businesses as well as individuals.

2.  It’s getting
harder to use American dollars down here.
Banks and the government are making it more difficult to use dollars so
sometimes your offer of U.S. dollars in payment will sometimes be sadly
declined by vendors.  Or, because the
dollar holds it value, they want to hold their dollars and give you only
pesos.   Here’s some practical tips…

  • If you want to exchange
    dollars for pesos, do it.  Just
    understand that there are different exchange rates.  Most places will charge you a few
    points.  (This is whether you change
    pesos to dollars or dollars-to-pesos).
  •  We’ve found that the best places are the
    exchange houses that are often found in the tourist areas. They usually
    look like little kiosks with windows.
  • Banks will no longer
    exchange dollars for pesos!  Even if
    you have a Mexican bank account (like us), they will not change dollars
    into pesos.  You can deposit dollars
    into a peso account, but you cannot get dollars back or exchange dollars
    for pesos. It’s an attempt to curtail money laundering in the country.
  • You can usually get some
    money exchanged at the larger markets or hotels, but often the rate is not
    as good as the exchange houses.
  • If you just need small
    denominations, there are numerous cash machines everywhere that will give
    you 200 peso notes (about 20 bucks) located at banks, markets, convenience
    stores, etc. Just use your bank card like at home.
  • If you do bring U.S.
    currency, you will find that small bills are really handy.  Bring 1’s, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s.  Great for tips and small purchases.  You will be glad you did.
  • Use the smallest
    denomination possible.  Don’t run up
    to the bait man in the morning and expect the guy to have change for 100
    dollar bill at 6 a.m. in the morning. Same for the cab driver or t-shirt
    seller on the beach.  Also, if they
    do have change, expect to get it back in pesos, not dollars.  For instance, if a t-shirt costs 4 bucks
    and you use a 20 dollar bill to pay, you’ll get 16 bucks in change…in
    pesos!  So, a 5 dollar bill would
    have been better.
  • It has nothing to do with
    money laundering, but “dirty money” often is not accepted.  If the bill is torn or has your
    girlfriend’s phone number or someone drew a mustache on the president,
    they won’t accept it.  Not that the
    vendor doesn’t want your money but the banks won’t accept torn, ripped or
    defaced dollars so it’s worthless to the  average Mexican vendor.
  • Lastly…save your
    coins.  Our Mexican friends that are
    busboys, bellmen and porters often show me the pocketful of dimes and
    quarters they got as tips.
    Worthless.  American coins cannot
    be cashed at any Mexican
    banks.  So, dumping your
    pocket change on someone isn’t going to get you an extra set of towels or
    a mint on your pillow.

“THEY CALLED ME MR. JONATHAN” PART 2

Last column I wrote about the TV family (Chad Shearer’s
“Shoot Straight” TV show)  that
came to visit us and how remarkable it was to be with three generations fishing
and enjoying themselves together.    They impressed on me how important it is to
make every moment with your parents and kids count.

When they got home to Montana, we got thank you notes from
everyone, including the Matriarch of the family, Marcia Shearer.  She wrote me that it was an incredible time
for their family in Baja.  She sent that
to me on Facebook.

Several hours after writing that to me, Marcia Shearer
suffered cardiac arrest while waiting at a stop sign in her car and is now in a
coma.

We only get one chance to make every moment as special as we
can. Her last fun time might have been here in Baja…with her family.  Count your blessings. Be special to each
other.

That’s our story!

Jonathan

_______________________________________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western
Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his
wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La
Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar
on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.
If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip
Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on
Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com

U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745

Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:

http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only
moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to
try.”

Read Full Post »

One Man’s Cat Food…Is Not a Bad Dinner!

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, fishing tournaments, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Sun stroke, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on April 30, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Often it ends up in the garden under the rose bushes or turned into cat food, but the bonito can actually be good eating if you know what to look for! (note the belly has no markings to distinguish it from the lesser tasting skipjack).

“One Man’s Cat Food…Is Not A Bad Dinner”

 
Originally published in Western Outdoor News the Week of May 4, 2011
 

You say Po-TAY-toe.  I say poe-TAH-toe.  Semantics can screw with you.

One man’s bonito is another man’s skipjack and is another man’s catfood and another man’s gourmet dinner!

It was a number of years ago that I was sitting with a group of fishermen in a little  palm-frond palapa bar/restaurant just north…or south of Loreto.  Details are fuzzy.   I remember the beer was chilly.  The sandy floor between my toes felt good and we were all a little wind and sunburned from a good day on the water.  A little fishing.  A little diving.  Some stupid pull-my-finger horseplay between fellow goofballs.

We sat in those scuffed -white -plastic chairs with the beer logo that every Mexican beer company gives to every restaurant with the equally scuffed-up white plastic table.  No matter.  We were hungry and ordered up some fish tacos and a plate of “filete al mojo de ajo” (grilled fish with garlic.)

It arrived on mis-matched plastic plates and served with bent forks but the tortillas were warm; the salsa spicy and the beer so cold that “smoke” came out the mouth  when popped open.  And the fish could not have tasted better!  RIQUISIMO!

We wolfed down taco after taco and plate after plate.  Shoveled it in like chipmunks stuffing our cheeks!  Lime juice squirted all over.

Then someone asked the waiter… “Que clase de pescado es? Tan sabrosa!” (What kind of fish is this?  It’s delicious!”

The waiter said with a smile…”BONITO!”

AAACK!!!!

Six guys nearly hurled and choked in unison!  Everyone stopped eating to look up and at each other. Salsa dripping from fingers and corners of mouths. More than one eye-brow arched.

Bonito?  You gotta be kidding me!  We’re eating junk fish?  Isn’t that the stuff we throw away?  Give to the cats?  Put in the garden for fertilizer?  Man…if it is…that’s danged good!

Just another chapter in my enlightenment of Mexican fish! Another fish “epiphany” as it were.

 Just as I had come to enjoy eating such fish like triggerfish and sierra mackerel over the years after thinking they were also “junk fish,” I got schooled about bonito.

Highly-prized as a sport fish, but much maligned as table fare, it’s easy to get confused.  Many of us who grew up or did any fishing on the Pacific Coast came to stereotype bonito as a throw-away species. Catch a ton, but throw them back or give them away!

But, in Mexico the lines get blurred.  Everyone runs into species confusion.  Everyone calls the tuna-look-alike-fish that has trips on it a “bonito.” But, in reality, they’re usually talking about two kinds of fish…black skipjack and real bonito!

They look very identical.  Both are hard-charging members of the tuna family and if you didn’t know better, you’d think they were tuna.  They grow to about 8-12 pounds but fight like 20 pounders. 

Easily caught on live bait, lures, trolled feathers…they’re not real fussy.  Fun at first but after-awhile, if you’re really trying to catch something else like dorado or real tuna, they’re pests!

But that’s the rub.

Most captains will say “bonito” and immediately the stigma is attached.  They make no distinction between bonito and skipjack.  So, the gringo  anglers just toss the fish back and get increasingly frustrated. 

However, a good captain knows the distinction. 

Skipjack have dots or stripes on their silver/white bellies.  Meat is dark red and frankly terrible eating. 

On the other hand, bonito have no marks on their bellies. They have white/silver bellies.   Meat is not only light color, but if bled quickly and all dark meat and blood lines are removed, will fool many into thinking they are eating tuna!

So next time, take a closer look before tossing your “bonito” back !  Or convince your buddy that you really do want those bonito he planned to throw away!  Remember, yesterdays “junk fish” is often today’s dinner. 

 Just remember the prices at your local seafood restaurant for such “junk fish” as …catfish…whitefish…shark…mackerel (yes mackerel!)…tilapia (in Hawaii, they used to bring in tilapia to eat the sewage and mosquitos in the irrigation canals for the sugar cane fields!) Now they call them “African Perch” at 2o bucks a plate.  Believe it or not…even albacore was considered a “throwaway” fish at the turn of the century!

As for us eating that day on the beach…we were just hungry!  Dos mas platos por favor!  (two more plates please!) And more tortillas!

_______________________________________

            Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!           

Jonathan

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 
Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate


“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

 

Read Full Post »

Originally Published the Week of April 20, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Uncategorized, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on April 15, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Just a "sample" of some of the electronic clutter I realized I was carrying with me. This doesnt include the cables, chargers, waterproof bags and cases!

SEDUCED BY TECHNOLOGY!

Originally Published the Week of April 20, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

 

As many of us do, before a day of fishing we “tackle twitch.” 

My routine usually means emptying my tackle box and re-packing things.  Hooks here.  Lures there.  Feathers in the case.  Leader material in that section.  Line up all the blue lures there and the silver lures in that compartment.  Then, stand back.  Look.  Change them all around again.  My wife says it’s the man’s equivalent to a woman arranging her shoes in her closet.

Lately, however, I have a special section in my tackle bag.  For gadgets and gizmos.  Mexican cell phone.  Regular cell phone.  U.S. blackberry.  Digital camera. Mini-marine radio.  GPS.   Underwater mini-video cam. Ipod with earphones and mini-speaker system. (waterproof naturally).

 

Of course with all the proper cases and cords. Extra batteries. extra memory cards.  Plus the proper cases to keep them dry.  I even have a mini-solar panel to charge them all up if, heaven forbid, I get washed up on some Baja beach and there’s no hotel in walking distance!

 

This last week while “tackle twitching” I loaded up and hefted it on my shoulder. Holy caballito…that’s danged heavy!  Do I really need this stuff?

 

I set it down off my aching shoulder then remembered…”Hey, what about my new iPad? Can’t forget that either!

 

Hmmmm…that would be “chingon” to be out there on the panga and be able to check the weather; scan satellite water images from Terrafin and even…hehehehe…watch youtube; check who’s writing to me on Facebook; look at sports; read the new novel I just downloaded.  Maybe even work on my next column!  My brain nuerons tingled and toyed with the idea.  Wow.  Love it.

 

 But wait a minute…that means another set of plugs…waterproof bomb-proof case…blah blah blah…

 

I sighed.  Where was I going to put this?  Carry an extra backpack?  Oh duh…uh…this is a fishing trip.  When will I have time to use all this stuff?  When I’m working on the water, my hands are full.  Who am I kidding? So, I started unpacking. Don’t need the solar panel (what the heck was I thinking?)  Don’t need three cell phones.  That’s what voice-mail is for.  Leave the iPod and all it’s attachments.  I’d rather have some good conversation and there’s no sweeter music than a fishing reel that suddenly goes off humming to a big fish.

 

Ditch the iPad idea.  I can check the weather by simply looking up and seeing the sun. OK, got it.  It’s gonna be a sunny day!  I don’t need more information than that. I don’t need ten satellites and an HD screen to tell me that.   Simple. If it’s windy, put my windbreaker back on.  If it’s rainy…well…it doesn’t rain in Baja anyway.

 

GPS…I guess we can leave that too.  It’s not like we’re going 100 miles offshore.  The fish are in 30 feet of water about 1/2 a mile down the beach from where we park the car.  I don’t need way points to get back to the car! I can still see the car from the panga!

 

 After doing that…wow…it was ALMOST like fishing again!

 

I have to remember to leave more of the junk at home.  In it’s time and place, this is all useful and great to have.  But no matter how small the gadget it still comes with wires, cables, cases, chargers…all the accessories.  SO MUCH not needed to have a great day on the water!

 

 Look up.  Enjoy the sunshine.  Hear the rush of the water as the boat moves.  The hum of the motor.  The smell of the salt.  The taste of the cold beer and a bag of tortillas chips passed around. See some smiles.  Hear some jokes.  Tell some stories.  Feel the fiberglass and wood vibrating under your feet.  Listen for the clicker to go off!

 

 Back to basics.  It’s pretty simple. Low technology. 

 _______________________________________

 

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!           

 

 

 

 

 

 Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

 

 

 

TAILHUNTER FISHING FLEET #1 Rated on Trip Advisor

 

TAILHUNTER RESTAURANT BAR #1 Rated in La Paz on Trip Advisor

 

 Now follow us on FACEBOOK TOO

 

 

 

Website: www.tailhunter-international.com
U.S. Office: 3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite A, Hacienda Hts. CA 91745
Mexico Office: 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

 

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report:
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

 

Tailhunter YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pangapirate

 


“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

 

Read Full Post »

“ADDICTION” Originally published the Week of March 9, 2011 in Western Outdoor News

Posted in Baja Fishing, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Fishing, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, Jonathan Roldan, La Paz Fishing, Living in Mexico, Panga Fishing, Salt Water Fishing, Tailhunter International, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications on March 7, 2011| 1 Comment »

Tim Farrell holds of the "right kind"...a big pargo taken close to shore!

Richard Sawaske holds up a trophy-sized pargo liso (mullet snapper)

This is what big dog-tooth (cubera snapper/ pargo perro) look like!

 

ADDICTION!

Originally Published in Western Outdoor News the Week of March 9, 2011

            I’m not a gambler at heart.  Not that I haven’t gone through life taking risks, but I just hate losing.  I understand the compulsion to win. 

            I guess like a gambler it’s…one more horse.  One more hand of cards.  One more spin.  One more quarter in the machine. The “next one” is “guaranteed!”  I got it figured out.  I got a “system.”

            Sound familiar?

            How often have I heard those phrases like that over my almost two-decades here in Baja when it comes to fishing for pargo…the red ugly beasts of the Baja!

            Rookies have no idea.  They ask how long it will take to catch a “limit” of pargo.

            Veterans return each season with a new “angle” or “rig” or other “sure-fire” plan or “foolproof” method. Or they have the  newest  piece of angling technology that will surely show these  wiley fish their proper place in the food chain and the fish box.   Surely, they MUST SUBMIT!

            More often than not, it is us who are put/kept in our places.  Sitting or standing in disbelief amid broken lines; straightened hooks; frayed leaders and shattered dreams of finally getting our photo in WON!

            You say you don’t even know what a pargo is?  Never seen a photo of a pargo?  That’s because compared to all the tuna, marlin, dorad, wahoo, roosterfish and other “glamour” species, there aren’t that many photos out there!  It’s pretty hard to take a photo of a fish that doesn’t allow itself to be caught very often.

            However, in Mexico, the “pargo” term is generally applied to three main types of fish. 

            First, there is the Pargo Liso, a.k.a “mullet snapper”.

            Second, there is the “Pargo Mulato, a.k.a “barred pargo.”

            Finally the Pargo Rojo, a.k.a “dog-tooth snapper” or “cubera snapper” or “pargo colorado.”

            All look a bit different, but share some common characteristics.  They all have big nasty teeth, sharp gillplates and scales.  They tend to range in color from copper to red to rust with highlights of orange and sometimes green.  They range from smaller 5 pounders to 70 pounders or more.

              They inhabit reefs, rocks, caves and generally any structure like sunken pilings, ships or anything else offering great cover for them to ambush their prey and optimum opportunity to shred your line and lose your tackle. And, they are all tremendously powerful with bullish freight-train attitudes when hooked.

             They can be aggressive or cagey and cautious.  Blessed with great eyesight, they’ll shun a bait or lure that isn’t presented  “just right.”

            Sometimes they are found as solitary fish.  But during the spring, the “fever sets in” and schools of them come into the shallow rocky areas around reefs, high spots and islands, especially in the southern Baja regions. 

            Seen from the surface as moving undulating dark spots of red, I’ve often described it to others as imagining “a giant Japanese koi pond on steroids.”  Throwing chum or a hooked bait into the middle of it sometimes, it’s like watching giant piranha go “on the feed” as huge backs and wide tails with flashes of red and copper explode at the surface.

            As a writer, perhaps it’s one of my favorite species to write about.  As a fisherman, it’s one of my most frustrating fish to stalk.  As a guide and outfitter here in La Paz, it’s clearly, the most amusing.

            I have often told a skeptical client, “If you hook 10 and bring 1 to the boat, consider yourself lucky.” 

            But, I have seen grown men throw their rods in the water or snap them against the gunwale of a panga in frustration.  I have heard the curses to the fish gods and seen the “rending of cloth” so to speak. 

            And each season at this time of year, I hear the “plans” as if no-one had ever thought of it before.  Everyone has their new “system” or “plan of attack.” that will surely correct missed opportunities of the past.

            “This time, I’m using a shorter rod, but a bigger reel.”

            “80 pound test is the ticket this time”

            “Lighter line, but I’m using  new super-duper drags and a circle hook”

            “Wire leader is the ticket”

            “Slow trolled small needlefish on flurocarbon leader can’t miss.”

            “Wait until all the rest of the boats leave, then be the only boat out there and only use half-a-sardine so they won’t bite the tail off this year”

            “A double trap hook set up is guaranteed!”

            And off they march and launch to their appointed dates with destiny. 

            On the water losing fish-after-fish.  And, like gamblers…”Just one more try! This next one will be the one!”  They cast again.  They bait again.  Often, only to return beaten and defeated. 

            By a big fish with a brain the size of a pea.

            “Just wait ’til next year.  I’ve got some new ideas for next year!”  they say.

            Optimism is eternal.  Everyone has a “system.”

 _______________________________________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004.  Along with his wife, Jill, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront.  If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com  or drop by the restaurant to say hi!

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